One for our German members- oil choice

[jameshoward]

Now back in Germany and unable to get my preferred oil from the UK (Halfords Classic, cheap, extra zinc, and my car loves it) I need to find an alternative brand that is: all mineral, has a high zinc content, is 20w50 (preferred, given the state of my engine) and which is not overly expensive.

Grateful for any recommendations.

JH

[franjo_66]

Hi James

I use Mobil 1 15W-50 which has high zinc levels (around 1300ppm). It is Mobil's formulation designed for classic cars. Have used it in my 230SL and love it. Not expensive to buy and it is a fully synthetic oil.

Rgds
Franjo

[WRe]

Hi,
MB's recommendation for classic cars is pure mineral based oil and no synthetic oil (only for totally rebuild engines).
I personally use therefore Liqui Moly touring high tech 15W40 ( http://www.liqui-moly.de/liquimoly/produktdb.nsf/id/en_1095.html?Opendocument&land=GB&voilalang=e&voiladb=web.nsf). You can get it e.g. at ATU, less than 20€ for 5 litres.
...WRe

[Flyair]

if you do a quick research on your browser, you can easily find that you can get Halfords Classic oil shipped to you. Besides the brands quoted below, I would also recommend the Castrol Classic XL 20w50 oil that you can also get shipped to you within Germany. The cheapest source I found is Jaguar Classic Center. PM me if you want their mail and phone.   

[franjo_66]

Guys, thought I'd mention that the Castrol Classic XL 20W50 has zinc content of around 800ppm, which is why I went with the Mobil 1 15W50, unless you intend on adding a zinc additive to the Castrol oil

[WRe]

Hi,
I've asked Liqui Moly for the zync level of 15W-40 Touring High Tech, it's 1015 ppm. Nevertheless they recommended their MoS2 motor oil additive for old cast iron motors.
...WRe

[Rick007]

Can someone explain why we need to put in oil with a high zinc content /rating /ppm ?


 

[WRe]

Hi,
zync is used to protect metal-to-metal contacts against wearing in classic cars. In modern cars it's bad because it damages catalysts (zync produces ashes) therefore modern motor oils contain less or no zync (low saps or low ash oils).
...WRe

[jameshoward]

Thanks, all, for your advice. I do want to stick with a mineral based oil. I tried synthetic once; nightmare oil slicks galore. It's not a new engine.

Flyair, I've seen the castrol oil everywhere, but at nearly 40 euros for 5 liters it appears to me to be a complete rip off given that I can get the same stuff at home albeit in a Halfords can for about 30% of the price. Stupidly, Halfrauds won't release the data for their oil, at least not to me, but they said it has a high zinc content. Shipping from Halfrauds over here won't be economical, I suspect. I'll try the Liqui Moly oil, I think. There's a cash and carry type place near us that sells their stuff.

Will keep you posted on my (very boring) quest.

[Paul & Dolly]

James,

None of the  companies want to give any "Zinc" information away any more, Castrol "Classic" being very unhelpful, and I had used them for years - no more.

Valvoline U.S A. website states that their Mineral VR1 Racing 20/50 oil has a 1200 ppm ZDDP content,(their European site is non committal though) & when I contacted Valvoline UK and Europe, they gave me the runaround and refused to confirm whever the European blend was any different or not.

I am still using the Valvoline, & I think you will find VR1 Racing 20/50, available in Germany.

Keep well
Paul

[franjo_66]

I find it strange that certain oil companies won't disclose their zinc & other additive levels.
Besides the zinc content, the phosphorus level is also important because it is the main anti-wear ingredient (and is the active agent in ZDDP).

Mobil were one of the few companies that openly state their Zn & Ph levels in all their various oil products. The 15W50 that I use has a good Phosphorus level of 1200ppm
Attached is the Mobil 1 data chart.

[71Beige280SL]

A number of oil companies are selling oils for high milage vehicles. Does any one use these? Higher zinc content? Are they any good?

[WRe]

Hi,
the above mentioned Liqui Moly Touring High Tech (THT) is a special oil for high milage engines. Liqui Moly also sells motor oil for classic cars (as I understand for cars older than 50-60 years; http://www.liqui-moly.de/liquimoly/produktdb.nsf/id/en_classicvehicles_nt00036926.html?Opendocument&land=GB&voilalang=e&voiladb=web.nsf ). They contain less zinc (ca. 600-800 ppm). The price for these is double of THT.
...WRe